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Review 1 of 2
Price Paid:
$499.00
from Buy.com Summary:
This set top box, or HDTV tuner, is a special piece because it has the Firewire (IEEE-1394) IN/OUT connection that allows archiving of over-the-air HDTV broadcasts on DVHS tapes. BTW, from what I hear and read on the Internet, you can also fool it into sending HDTV to a computers hard drive too, but I have yet to try it.
The Samsung SIR-T165 is functionally a bit of a mixed bag. A station that is not broadcasting currently, like a lot of HD substations are only broadcasting part time, will often cause the tuner to "lock up". The fix is to pull the antennae input and move off the station and then reconnect. I actually returned my first Samsung SIR-T165 to Crutchfied because of this problem.
For me, another big plus of this unit is the ability to take multiple A/V inputs and output them through an S-video out. I use this unit to provide a video feed to my ATI video card in my computer. I switch between the SIR-T165's digital tuner, a stand alone DVD player and a feed trom my DISH network reciever and it allows me to PIP a window of my video of choice while using the computer. Set top boxes with this many Input/Outputs are few.
The sensitivity of the unit is also a bit suspect, in my opinion. Earlier this year I attempted to record the Grammies in HD and this unit refused to "see" the digital HD feed of the CBS affiliate in my area. (KPIX in S.F.) However, I moved the same antenna feed into my DISH HD PVR and it pulled the station without a problem. So that was a strike against the Samsung.
Versatility aside, the Samsung looks pretty good in the rack. Full component width, faux-brushed aluminum front with a mirrored display window. In a day when the bottom has fallen out the set-top box market and the product cost-cutting is really showing this unit (whose original MSRP was near $800 ) stands out aesthetically.
I actually own two of these because had my first unit in behind the computer before I got my Sony HDTV and couldn't find anything else that could do the job after I moved it out to the main system. I bought the first one from Crutchfied for $399 and returned it(because I didn't know how to deal with the "lock up" problem), I bought the second unit from J&R, on closeout, for $350 and now use that one in my TV room. Six month later, I was lamenting the loss of the video feed for my computer and starting looking around for a second SIR T-165. I checked E-bay prices and they wanted over $300 for a used one in decent shape and when I found a new one at Buy.com for $500 decided to get it instead. Strengths:
Can output out a full HDTV picture with DD 5.1 sound via Firewire for your recording pleasure.
Nice comprehensive array of INPUTS and OUTPUTS
Looks are quite attractive vis-a-vis the current wave of set top boxes Weaknesses:
Sensitivity can be suspect at times.
Tuner can "lock up" when tuned to a currently not on the air station
Pricey...both new and on e-bay Similar Products Used:
Samsung SIR-T451 (One of the cheaper, smaller, less versatile newer models)
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